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Urology  (Expert Forum)
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Question about penis exam
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD Boston - MA
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.

Question about penis exam

by dbcodb, Sep 18, 2007 10:19AM
I have a question about a penile exam.I had a traumatic event 7 months ago with my penis that led to my flacid penis getting harder and my erections being slightly less firm.However,I was able to get a decent erection whenever I needed one and had no other issues.It has now been 7 months and after being very careful and sensitive with my penis I went to a specialist who deals with sexual dysfunction and erectile issues to have it checked out.Without any prior warning when he went to examine my penis he pulled on the head and stretched my penis out and held it stretched for a good 10-15 seconds and as he felt around the sides as it was pulled tight.I wouldnt describe the pull as being rough but it was firm and hard and longer than I personally think a penis should ever be pulled.I told this Dr previously that I was very sensitive about it and had been very careful and he did not warn me what he was doing before he did it.I went to a local urologist who did a penile exam by having me lay down feeling up and down the sides without any pulling. I want to know if this is a normal way to exam a penis, and if you have ever heard of pulling on it like that to examine it. Since he pulled on it, it feels tigher and I am not sure if my erections are the same as they were before. I feel like when he pulled it tight, he would have pulled my erectile tissue tighter, therefor making it  harder to gain a full erection because if I do have any problems in the tissue he just pulled the problem tighter.

by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 19, 2007 06:52AM
I am not a urologist, so my input into this question is limited.  

I discussed this question with several urologist colleagues, and some - not all - described this as a reasonable technique to examine the penis.  Of course, some urologist may be rougher than others - leading to a negative encounter in your case.

If you are not comfortable with that particular specialist, obtaining another opinion is recommended.  Imaging the penis with an ultrasound can be considered as well.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Member Comments (2)

by dbcodb, Sep 18, 2007 10:21AM
To: Dr. Kevin Pho
Is the erectile tissue in your penis attached to the outside wall and when he pulled on it, could it have actually hurt or tightened anything or made it worse? He was a typical Dr that didnt listen to me concerns or really anything and actually has turned out to be counter productive. I am very upset and disapointed that this has happened(I cant imagine going to a Dr for say..ur shoulder hurts and having him pulling on it..How can that be good?) Doing something that is not a natural posistion for the organ? and just as my stress and anxiety has subsided as I feel my penis has stablized I feel like it is slighty different.I feel like the tissue inside has gotten harder due to being pulled tighter.Please offer your opinion on if you have ever heard of pulling the head of the penis for an examination like that.I called him back to talk to him and ask him about it and at first he actually denied pulling it..he actually denied pullingon it..then when i directly asked again he just responded by saying he did what he does for all exams.I think in general pulling like that cant be a good thing..even in a normal healthy penis.In an organ made to inflate and grow out.I cant imagine pulling it tight would in any circumstance be a good idea.I liken it to having a tube filled with something.If i pulled and stretched one side..the material..in this case erectile tissue would become tighter and less stretchy..Please give your opinion.  Thanks
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